Jordan Pickford will head to this summer’s World Cup as England’s number one, and Shay Given has pointed to one factor that will really affect him at the tournament.
The Everton goalkeeper is all set to play at his fifth major tournament for the Three Lions this summer.
Pickford is one of only a few players in the squad whose starting spot is nailed-on, along with the likes of Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
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He’s had a brilliant season for the Toffees so far, and that bodes really well for England this summer.
To win the tournament, Thomas Tuchel needs his best and most influential players to step up – and Pickford being at his best will be vital.
With only a few months to go until the tournament, Shay Given has pointed to something that could prove challenging for Pickford.
Shay Given says heat could be a greater issue for Jordan Pickford and goalkeepers at World Cup
Jordan Pickford ahead of playing for England.
Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
This summer’s World Cup is being held in North America.
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Games are to be played in Canada, Mexico and the USA, so there will be high temperatures and high humidity.
Back in December, Pitches in Peril (via BBC) found that 10 of the 16 venues are at ‘very high risk of experiencing extreme heat stress conditions’.
Fans have been warned about the conditions.
But the players will also have to quickly try and get used to the climate – and it will be a different experience for goalkeepers in particular.
Shay Given said on the latest Overlap episode: “The only thing I would say that’s more difficult is the temperature and stuff.
“And this is me not sticking up for goalkeepers, but for example, in the summer, the USA, the balls will move a lot more, the humidity and the heat and stuff, and long range stuff – the ball seems to move a lot more.
“I played in the World Cup in Japan, it’s crazy what some of the balls were doing in training and even in games. I don’t think people take that into consideration at times, because they bring out a new ball for the World Cup, for example.
“That’s something you have to prepare for as well. You go from the Premier League ball and then the next week you’re playing in the World Cup with a totally different temperature and humidity, so a lot can change.”
It is not as though Pickford has never played in hot conditions before.
Jordan Pickford warming up for England.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
But seemingly, the heat and humidity are set to alter his experience more so than outfield players.
But fans will back Pickford to keep a high level for his country, as the 32-year-old has rarely let the Three Lions down in his international career.
Certainly, if he goes to the tournament in the same form he is now for Everton, then that will be very encouraging.
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